Henry Poage
Plant City,FL
Summary
Retired from Hillsborough County after 21 years serving as a Death Investigator. Conducted field investigations and
Reviewed patient medical records and provided history to the forensic pathologist in determining cause and manner of death.
Last five years employed, I managed the County's Indigent Cremation Programs, assisting family in disposition of their loved ones when faced with financial challenges.
Prior to that, I spent 30 years working in all aspects of the funeral industry. Served as a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer at multiple funeral homes.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Death Investigator
Hillsborough County Medical Examiner
01.2000 - 03.2021
- Increased efficiency in case management by maintaining organized records of all ongoing investigations and promptly updating relevant parties on progress.
- Streamlined communication with law enforcement agencies for efficient information exchange during investigations.
- Evaluated new technologies for potential application within the field of death investigation, increasing overall effectiveness and efficiency of investigative procedures.
- Mentored junior death investigators, sharing expertise and insights gained from years of experience in the field.
- Reviewed overdose death scene evidence and photographs.
- Actively participated in professional associations related to forensic sciences and death investigation, advancing knowledge through peer interaction and staying current with industry trends.
- Reduced backlog of unresolved cases by prioritizing urgent or high-profile investigations and allocating resources effectively.
- Collaborated with forensic pathologists to analyze post-mortem findings and integrate results into comprehensive investigative reports.
- Supported grieving families by providing clear explanations of investigation findings and offering guidance on next steps following a loved one''s death.
- Conducted comprehensive training seminars for law enforcement personnel on best practices for preserving evidence at a death scene, leading to improved collaboration during investigations.
- Refined administrative processes involved in death certificate issuance which resulted in decreased processing times for affected families.
- Documented chain of evidence and adhered to protocols pertaining to collection and security of evidence.
- Interviewed family members and witnesses and notified next of kin of deaths.
- Ensured accurate determination of cause and manner of death through meticulous examination of medical records and autopsy results.
- Enhanced death investigation accuracy by meticulously examining scenes, collecting evidence, and documenting findings.
- Provided expert testimony in court proceedings, presenting solid evidence and conclusions from completed death investigations.
- Established strong relationships with local hospitals, funeral homes, and mortuaries to facilitate the sharing of information pertinent to ongoing investigations.
Funeral Director/Professional Embalmer
Stowers Funeral Home
06.1993 - 11.1998
- Assisted in the preparation of bodies for visitation or burial, adhering to strict standards of care.
- Established trust among clients by consistently delivering exceptional service while maintaining sensitivity towards their needs.
- Maintained facility cleanliness, ensuring a welcoming environment for grieving families.
- Displayed highest level of professionalism and sensitivity when dealing with grieving family members.
- Managed all aspects of funeral arrangements for smooth and efficient service delivery.
- Discussed pre-arranged funeral options and explained pricing to clients.
- Upheld legal compliance with local regulations regarding burials, cremations, and embalming practices.
- Picked up deceased at private homes, hospitals and county morgues.
- Counseled bereaved individuals, offering emotional support during challenging times.
- Performed embalming procedures and updated case study reports.
Education
No Degree - Coroner's Basic Training
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Ky01-1989
No Degree - Mortuary Science
Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
Cincinnati, Ohio09-1975
High School Diploma -
Plant City High School
Plant City, Fl06-1973
Skills
-Certified ABMDI Death Investigator
-Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer in States of Florida (current) and Kentucky
-Served as Chief Deputy Coroner in Harrison County, Ky
Certification
Diplomat-American Board if Medicolegal Death Investigators
Timeline
Death Investigator
Hillsborough County Medical Examiner
01.2000 - 03.2021
Funeral Director/Professional Embalmer
Stowers Funeral Home
06.1993 - 11.1998
No Degree - Coroner's Basic Training
Eastern Kentucky University
No Degree - Mortuary Science
Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
High School Diploma -
Plant City High School
Similar Profiles
Selina HerreraSelina Herrera
Medicolegal Death Investigator at Pima County Office Of The Medical ExaminerMedicolegal Death Investigator at Pima County Office Of The Medical Examiner
Sierra HoweSierra Howe
Intern Autopsy Tech and Criminal Investigator at Coconino County Office Of The Medical ExaminerIntern Autopsy Tech and Criminal Investigator at Coconino County Office Of The Medical Examiner
Trina EllisTrina Ellis
Medicolegal Death Investigator at Dallas County Medical ExaminerMedicolegal Death Investigator at Dallas County Medical Examiner
Stephanie BlasStephanie Blas
Warehouse Associate at StrykerWarehouse Associate at Stryker
Adrienne QuesadaAdrienne Quesada
Office Manager at Joe Hudsons Collision CenterOffice Manager at Joe Hudsons Collision Center